updated 02:15 pm EST, Mon February 14, 2011

Handset offers several tweaks and a lower price

A significant portion of the Mobile World Congress unveilings were geared for international releases or European launches, but Samsung also brought one of its forthcoming Galaxy S variants that will be headed to T-Mobile. Electronista had a chance to preview the Galaxy S 4G, which offers several tweaks aside from HSPA+ support.

Externally, it is difficult to tell the 4G model apart from the range of other Galaxy S offerings featuring the same form. Upon closer inspection, however, a front-facing camera can be seen below the glass surrounding the Super AMOLED display.

The Galaxy S-series has already proven itself, but the 4G offering may prove an attractive option for T-Mobile customers. The device supports 21Mbps HSPA+, making it potentially faster than many of its peers designed for similar network technology.

While the Galaxy S 4G does not match the feature set of the flagship Galaxy S II, it will be available sooner and with a slightly cheaper price tag. The device still appears to be a formidable competitor in the Android market, with several features that place it above the Galaxy S models already available from various carriers.

The Galaxy S 4G is scheduled to ship on February 23 for $149 with a two-year contract.